Elite Composite Technologies UK Ltd

About us

ECTCoolCure Press! Uniquely, externally pressurising/injecting BMC/SMC into a closed mould. Self contained, easy to use.

Cool Cure 175 Duo
System Overview
The Cool Cure 175 DUO is a complete composite part processing and curing system designed for high precision advanced composite parts to be produced using Compression and bladder moulding. Available also is the Plus model, which allows EPPS (external pressure processing System) for SMC and BMC materials and coming soon- a Mini autoclave add on.
The system has been designed with practicality and portability in mind. It utilises advanced power management to allow the unit to be used with a standard 240v 13A mains supply, yet archive tooling temperatures of up to 175 deg c. The system also offers rapid cooling of the tool, useful to lower temperature back to suitable temperature for the next part to be laid up and to aid in safe handling.
Specifications and unique features:
Cure Temperature Control.
The Cool Cure Duo 175 is available with two temperature controller choices, allowing very simple plug and play style fixed temperature operation, perfect for education, and production of simple parts where a fixed temperature cure is needed. Also available is an advanced PID controller offering fully programmable ramp and soak soak control with data logging facility.
The advanced system can be programmed with the controller on the unit, or externally via a laptop or PC, allows multiple stage cure cycles to be achieved, with target based closed loop programming where the next stage of the program won’t be executed until the temperature is reached, as opposed to being driven by time restraints only.
Precision Platens
The platens have been CNC machined from tooling grade aluminium, and are opened and closed via precision ball screws which are driven in unison. This gives the Cool Cure Duo huge stability and rigidity, without the usual large unit weight required to give the press this level of rigidity. It weighs just 120KG.
The added advantage is that operator error will never result in damage to the tool or platens, as wherever the tool is placed on the platens, the pressure is applied evenly across the platen surface. (Though we suggest keeping the tool central on the platens).
Using the hand wheel on the front of the unit, forces of up to 2000kg can be applied to the tool, allowing parts to be produced via compression moulding with ease, quickly and safely.
Part Moulding (Processing) Types
Compression Moulding- (Using tool shape to create consolidation pressure)
Accurate compression moulding of composite parts relies on accurate mould cavity pressures. This can either be achieved using precisely worked out material layups with Z stops on the mould (the platen closing is stopped by the tool touching) alternatively accurately determined and measured force applied by the platens. The latter allows the user to press the part with known forces, and create repeatable parts easily and efficiently (also easier to accommodate/ tune for variations in material from batch to batch). The Cool Cure has a simple yet effective mechanical pressure gauge built into the platen positioning handle on the front of the press. Allowing simple yet clear adjustment of the platen closing forces.
Autoclave curing (vacuum and positive pressure)
Coming soon is an autoclave add on for the system. This allows production of small pre-preg parts, test sheets, as well as pressurised curing of cast parts using our Autoclave add on.
The clave will be fully certified, individually pressure tested, and being designed to allow simple yet safe operation up to 7 bar, for instance the pressurising cycle cannot be ran until the clave is positioned in the press, with all safety guards closed. The press cannot be opened until the pressure has been released from the clave.
EPPS ™ (For Sheet Moulding/Bulk Moulding compound)
Our External Pressure processing system add on (EPPS) included with the Plus system allows parts to be produced that would normally require very complex tooling, large amounts of experience in tooling cavity design and huge clamping force requirement in the press. Our technology allows up to 80 bars of pressure to be applied to the compound within the tool cavity, pressures suitable for the use of SMC and BMC part processing.
The mould requirement is simply a split of the part, due to the unique way that the process creates the pressure, allowing low cost tools, and more complex geometry to be achieved.
The system allows parts to be produced as frequently as every 6 minutes, so is ideal for batch production of small high precision parts.
Bladder Moulding (re-usable silicone and disposable lay flat tube)
Bladder moulding is a process allowing hollow parts to be made without having to bond two halves together following moulding. It uses a closed mould, and a bladder that is inflated and presses the fibre into the tool cavity. It’s a great process for making parts such as tubes, hollow sections and manifolds. This is an attractive process for the manufacture of components where the part is likely to see high internal pressures, and mitigates the need for secondary bonding, whilst achieving high speed of manufacture and the ultimate part longevity due to the continuous fibre available around the body of the part (No Join).
Often parts can be produced with little or no post moulding process required and with excellent aesthetic and mechanical properties due to the high consolidation pressures achieved.
Available Options and Pricing-
Cool Cure Duo- £
The Base System, Simple operation, allows compression and bladder moulding including cooling. Complete with Sample tools for compression moulding and bladder moulding.
Cool Cure 175 Duo Advanced Control Add On +£750+vat
Allows precise control over the cure cycle both in temperature and time. Allows up to 60 different segments to the program.
Cool Cure 175 Duo Plus EPPS Add On +£2100+vat- Our EPPS Add-on- Facilitates SMC/BMC production of your tooling with 1 day of training for tooling design, price includes sample tool.
Cool Cure 175 Duo Clave Add On +£
Autoclave upgrade with internal dimensions of 410 X 410 X 80H (mm). Price includes umbilical system for linking to autoclave, gauges for vacuum and clave internal pressure. (External vacuum and compressed air supply required)
Plant find out on the stand
Don’t have compressed air? Don’t have vacuum pump? Need portability? Full Compressed air and vacuum control, vacuum pump, silent air compressor and wheeled flight case for transportation and storage. The plant add on includes integration with your current Cool Cure system, or if purchased together this will be completed prior to delivery. You can be making parts in under 30 mins from delivery.
The Works find out on the stand
All of the above. Including 1 day of training at your site, delivery, set-up and full technical support as well as 1 day of mould design advice and production of a two piece tool for your part.